White and other experts blamed a series of factors for the nationwide uptick that started in the middle of January.

They include the conversion to summer-blend gasoline, statewide refinery issues, and a rise in crude oil prices.

California has the second highest state average price for gasoline. Hawaii is the highest at $4.24.

Northern California gas prices are now averaging $3.95, a change of 39 cents in price from last month’s report. Here in the Bay Area, you can expect to pay an average price of $4.03, which is up 35 cents from last month.

The least expensive average price of gas in Northern California is in Modesto, where regular is $3.84 per gallon. Eureka has the highest average price at $4.15.

AAA told NBC, based on historical trends, prices will likely continue to rise into the warmer months and driving season, but not at the same pace they did in 2011 and 2012, when developments in Libya and Iran caused big spikes.